India’s rail modernisation journey is poised to take a decisive leap forward as Prime Minister Narendra Modi to flags off the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda in West Bengal on January 17. With regular passenger services commencing on January 18 between Howrah and Guwahati, this landmark launch introduces a new benchmark in overnight rail travel for eastern India and signals a broader transformation of long-distance train services nationwide.
A New Chapter in Overnight Rail Travel
The Vande Bharat sleeper train marks a strategic evolution of India’s flagship semi-high-speed train platform, extending its benefits beyond daytime intercity travel to long-haul overnight journeys. Announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Howrah–Guwahati service offers a modern, time-efficient, and comfortable alternative for passengers travelling across West Bengal and Assam, while also serving key districts en route.
This corridor is among the busiest in eastern India, catering to business travellers, students, professionals, tourists, and families. The introduction of a sleeper variant on this route addresses a long-standing demand for faster and more comfortable overnight connectivity, particularly for the North-East, which remains a priority region in India’s infrastructure development agenda.
Performance, Speed and Capacity
During its final high-speed trials, the Vande Bharat sleeper train achieved a top speed of 180 kmph, demonstrating the technological capabilities of India’s next-generation rolling stock. In regular operation, the train will run at a scheduled speed of 120 to 130 kmph on the Howrah–Guwahati route, significantly reducing travel time while maintaining safety and ride comfort.
The train comprises 16 coaches with a total capacity of 823 berths. The configuration includes eleven three-tier AC coaches, four two-tier AC coaches, and one first AC coach. Of the total berths, 611 are allocated to 3AC, 188 to 2AC, and 24 to 1AC, ensuring a balanced mix that caters to a wide cross-section of passengers.
Affordability with a Middle-Class Focus
One of the defining features of the Vande Bharat sleeper initiative is its pricing philosophy. According to the Railway Minister, fares have been consciously designed with the middle class in mind. The approximate fare for 3AC is around Rs 2,300, for 2AC around Rs 3,000, and for 1AC around Rs 3,600, with food included.
This pricing strategy positions the Vande Bharat sleeper as a premium yet accessible service, offering significantly enhanced amenities at competitive rates compared to existing long-distance options.
Passenger Comfort, Safety and Hygiene
The Vande Bharat sleeper train introduces a host of modern features aimed at redefining the overnight travel experience. Coaches are equipped with ergonomically designed berths, improved suspension systems for smoother rides, and advanced noise reduction technology to ensure restful journeys. Automatic doors with vestibules enhance safety and reduce external disturbances, while the train’s aerodynamic exterior contributes to operational efficiency.
Safety systems have been given high priority. The train is equipped with the Kavach automatic train protection system, along with an emergency talk-back facility that allows passengers to communicate directly with train staff when required.
Sanitation and hygiene standards have also been elevated. Disinfectant technology capable of eliminating 99.9 per cent of germs has been deployed, mirroring the systems already in use on the Vande Bharat chair-car variants. This focus reflects the Railways’ continued emphasis on clean and safe travel environments.
Celebrating Regional Identity on Board
In a thoughtful integration of regional culture, onboard catering will feature local cuisines. Trains originating from Guwahati will serve Assamese dishes, while those starting from Kolkata will offer Bengali cuisine. This approach not only enhances the passenger experience but also celebrates India’s culinary diversity within a modern transport setting.
A Scalable Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Railways has outlined ambitious expansion plans. Twelve Vande Bharat sleeper trains are expected to be ready within the year, with production set to scale up rapidly from next year as the supply chain becomes fully operational. This signals the government’s intent to deploy sleeper variants across multiple long-distance corridors, transforming how Indians travel overnight by rail.
Reflecting on the significance of this development, Dr. Vinod Shah, Director General of the Chamber of Railway Industries, stated,
“The launch of the Vande Bharat sleeper train is a defining moment for Indian Railways. It demonstrates how indigenous engineering, modern design, and passenger-centric planning can come together to elevate long-distance rail travel. This initiative not only enhances regional connectivity but also sets the foundation for a new generation of overnight train services across the country.”
As India’s railway ecosystem continues to evolve, the Vande Bharat sleeper train stands as a symbol of innovation, inclusivity, and forward-looking infrastructure planning.
We invite readers to share their views on this milestone development and its impact on the future of rail travel in India. Professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders are also encouraged to join the Chamber of Railway Industries to engage in knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and collaborative discussions with domain experts shaping the future of rail transport.
